Kingston rejects second application to extend industrial waste facility in Green Wedge
Kingston Council has affirmed its decision to refuse an application by company Alex Fraser Group to extend its industrial waste operations in Kingston's Green Wedge.
Alex Fraser's permit is still valid for another four years ending in December 2023 and the company had applied to Council for permission to stay until 2038.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said Council could not ignore the community opposition to Alex Fraser's extension request with more than 900 objections received.
"Kingston's residents have made it clear that they feel they have put up with the waste industry located on their doorstep in the Kingston Green Wedge for far too long," said Cr Oxley.
In 2015 the Victorian Planning Minister explicitly recognised that waste transfer and recycling facilities are not suitable for green wedge areas and prohibited any new operators while allowing existing operators until the end of their permit to move on.
The approval by the Planning Scheme Amendment C143 was a landmark moment in defining the future of the approach Kingston is seeking to take with its Green Wedge.
"Alex Fraser has known for four years they would need to find a new location, and the Victorian Government has been working with them to find alternatives. They still have another four years to find a suitable site that will ensure both the company's long-term success and an end to waste-related activities in the Green Wedge," Cr Oxley said.
"Council recognises that Alex Fraser plays a significant role in the recycling of Melbourne's glass and construction waste but when its permit expires at its Clarinda site it won't mean Kingston's kerbside recycling ends up in landfill."
"Kingston Council employs a number of different service providers to fulfil its recycling requirements and has been proactive in using recycled products in the construction of our roads," said Cr Oxley.
